World-wide sensation, Valerie the miniature sausage dog, has been reunited with her owners after spending 529 days in the wild on Kangaroo Island.
The fugitive dachshund miraculously survived in the wilderness after she slipped out of her play pen and disappeared into the bush, leaving owners Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock devastated.
After 17 months apart, the nervous couple from New South Wales returned to Kangaroo Island to finally hold their beloved pup in their hands again after all this time.
Ms Gardner said she was “speechless” and “bawled” her eyes out when she saw Valerie wagging her tail and heard her bark for the first time since her disappearance.
“We were very nervous coming in today but the reaction was just priceless,” Mr Fishlock told.
“I bawled my eyes out and just seeing her come up and wag her tail and bark, I’m speechless.
“Just so much emotion.”
After spending so much time as a free animal in the wild, many questioned if Valerie would still long for the affection her two human owners could offer.
Those fears were squashed though, as the elusive pup was over the moon when she saw her parents, showering them with plenty of kisses and cuddles.
Although presumably ready to return to the luxuries of her regular home, Valerie changed a bit from her days in the bush.
“She has definitely grown and put on some lean muscle,” Ms Gardner revealed.
Valerie’s rescue was no easy feat.
Thousands of volunteers, across more than 1000 hours, travelling a combined 5000km, combed the island for signs of Valerie over 529 days.
Spearheaded by local wildlife rescue group Kangala Wildlife Rescue, the adventurous sausage dog was recaptured on April 25.
The team used CCTV surveillance, and meticulous tracking methods to eventually lure the perhaps untrusting dachshund close enough for capture.
Sharing an update on Valerie after she was caught, the wildlife group revealed she had been given the all clear from the vet to return to New South Wales with her family.
“Valerie is in perfect health and ready for her parents and the next chapter of her life,” the group wrote on Facebook.
“After 529 days on foot, riding in the car was a little challenging but after a gentle reintroduction and lots of little trips she’s doing great.
“The long drive home should be a walk in the park for her now.”
Ms Gardner and Mr Fishlock are yet to share video of the moment they reunited with Valerie.